Cordelia Lynn

Plays by Cordelia Lynn

Cordelia Lynn's play Lela & Co. explores conflict and capitalism through a monologue for a female performer that is continually interrupted by male voices. It was first performed at the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs, London, on 3 September 2015.

The play unfolds as a monologue delivered by a female character called Lela, continually interrupted by male characters (all played by a single male performer). Lela tells her own story, beginning with her life in a village in the mountains. When she meets a business associate of her brother-in-law, he marries her and takes her across the border into the middle of a war zone. There he locks her up and sells her body to male clients, mostly soldiers. As the years go by, this 'family business' becomes trickier as the margins shrink, and life becomes ever harder for Lela, trapped in her tiny room. Even the peacekeeper, who sympathises with her plight, takes advantage of her. Is there any hope for Lela?

The Royal Court premiere was directed by Jude Christian and designed by Ana Inés Jabares-Pita. It was performed by Katie West and David Mumeni.

Cordelia Lynn's plays include Lela & Co. (Royal Court, 2015); Believers Anonymous (Rosemary Branch Theatre, 2012); and After the War, which has been performed in venues around the UK and abroad.